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News Release

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC)
8 East Long Street, Suite 1200
COL OH 43215

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leslie Paull (614) 466-5205 (800)766-7426

September 3, 2003

OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) awarded Funding for the Arts grants to five Ohio organizations: Art on Wheels in Cleveland, Residential Inc: Rendville Art Works in New Lexington, Gallery Arts Center in Columbus, UCP of Central Ohio in Columbus, and The Work Resource Center: Smart Lab in Cincinnati.

Funding for the Arts is a new program offered by the ODDC to help emerging artists with disabilities move to a higher level of career development. Grant funds are used to help artists with disabilities develop the skills necessary to begin marketing their art for profit. The recipients of the awards will assist artists with disabilities in a variety of artistic disciplines.

The community employment rate for people with disabilities is devastatingly low, as is the involvement of people with disabilities in the arts. The arts can provide opportunities for people to be employed in a variety of nontraditional careers. However, people with disabilities are rarely given the opportunity to explore this area as a career option.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils, committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding for innovative advocacy, capacity building and systems change activities. These activities are designed to contribute to a coordinated system of services, supports and other assistance that is centered around and driven by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council consists of members appointed by the governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

For more information, contact Leslie Paull at (614) 466-5205 or (800) 766-7426.